Quinnipiac University will outsource its annual flu shot to CVS this fall, school health director Christy Chase said Tuesday.
Every fall, Quinnipiac student health services administered free flu vaccines for students, faculty and staff in the Carl Hansen Student Center and on the North Haven Campus. COVID-19 social distancing guidelines made it impossible for Quinnipiac to deliver the flu shots this year.
“With the demand on the health center due to COVID testing, follow-up and care, it was not feasible to have the health center in charge of flu vaccine clinics as well,” Chase said in an email response to questions about the flu vaccine. “Student health services would staff the clinics in the previous years, so we found a great alternative which allows students, staff and faculty to receive their vaccinations on campus.”
Chase said Quinnipiac will provide the same amount of clinics, days, and locations for students, faculty and staff to receive their vaccine at CVS.
“Information is scheduled to go out today on how to register for a day and time,” Chase said. “This is to assist with social distancing and provide less waiting.”
Quinnipiac didn’t charge for the vaccine in the past. But this year, students, faculty and staff will have to go through their health insurance plans to cover the cost.
“Insurance will be billed, but over 96% of insurances cover flu vaccines,” Chase said. “All students at the university are required to carry insurance.”
The CDC recommends that people receive the flu shot this year even though the focus is on COVID-19. Chase said outsourcing the flu vaccine to CVS will protect the Quinnipiac community from the flu as the vaccine is safe and effective.
“CVS can also offer the high dose flu vaccine for older adults for students, staff and faculty in that category,” Chase said. “This we had not been offered in the past.”